When we first visited the site for this new build, we were blown away. Situated atop a bluff overlooking the Cal-Sag valley, the light and views are incredible, and this home needed to match the surrounding beauty. The homeowners came to us with plans in place and a strong vision for a clean and contemporary home reflective of their penchant for good quality mid-century design. Our process involved working in some of their pedigreed existing pieces (Nelson pendants, vintage Eames and contemporary case goods) while layering in texture and warmth through the fixtures and finishes chosen throughout the home.
A palette of white oak, walnut and crisp white emerged early on, and the addition of dark metal elements on the kitchen hood and fireplace married with the dark window frames added ground to the airy great room. Playing with the light and dark finishes throughout the home brings energy to a calm palette and the neutral paints and allows the texture of the wood to shine. Lighting fixtures were chosen to either be minimal and sleek or to shine as the star in a room. Slab front cabinets in the kitchen keep the focus on other elements like the custom hood and walnut shelves and marble slab backsplash.
A departure from the lighter palette comes in the multi-purpose den/office/playroom. Enveloped in a cozy dark gray but still benefiting from loads of light from floor to ceiling windows, the room becomes a destination unto itself and keeps the home from feeling one-note in its finishes. With loads of versatility, this room becomes a perfect spot for baby to play, tweens to do homework and mom and dad to chill.
Furnishing this home was an exercise in selecting beautiful but durable pieces to both speak to the architecture of the home while also holding up to the family’s four children. A mix of vintage and new strikes a nice balance. Fabrics are neutral but with texture and allow other elements to shine. Consistency in the palette throughout means the family can mix and match from various rooms as their needs change and their collection of art grows. Custom draperies soften the entire architectural package by framing the windows and also providing necessary privacy and light control. The end result is really a testament to the possibilities of creating a home that manages to feel both designed and complete while also simple and highly functional for a large family.
Here is a full tour of this new home:
